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Qing Xuanling exhaled deeply, seated cross-legged on her bed. Her expression remained serene as she emerged from her nightly cultivation.
She examined her hands and clenched them tightly. She smiled. The past month had likely been the most productive of her life.
Not only had she learned hundreds of new things under the elders' guidance, but she'd also mastered new spells and advanced further in techniques she already knew.
For instance, she now commanded the fourth move of the Wandering Sword Art and the first step of the Purple Phantom Movement Technique.
Her proficiency with the spells gifted by Elder Huomei had reached competence—and thanks to Xuan Dan (who learned the fire spell at Qing Xuanling's request), her mastery of the fire spell had reached true mastery.
Qing Xuanling's arsenal now felt complete, like that of a genuine cultivator.
But above all, her greatest gain during this time was the advancement in her cultivation itself!
Not only had she reached the fourth layer in her cultivation, but three days ago, she had managed to reach the second layer of her body cultivation!
"Hehe—my body cultivation advances faster than my spiritual cultivation… Could I be a genius on the body path?" She brought her black-gloved hand to her chin. "I achieved in months what took me years before…"
She felt both exhilarated and disheartened. This not only showcased her talent for body cultivation—but also her inadequacy in spiritual cultivation. Qing Xuanling still felt a faint sting of defeat regarding her lackluster talent on the path she'd walked for two years.
But she quickly shook it off.
She had always been acutely aware of her mediocre talent. Otherwise, she wouldn't have become so obsessed with extreme methods to grow stronger. Remembering her "terrible talent" now felt like a warm breeze—comforting, familiar.
She smiled, stood, and stretched. She'd been seated too long. Beyond cultivating, she'd been updating her Stellar Map earlier, leaving her body stiff.
After a few stretching exercises, she headed to bathe. Removing her gloves revealed smooth, pale skin on both hands. Her feet were equally unblemished. She glanced at her reflection in the bathroom mirror.
'Mmm… They haven't grown much. I suppose they won't anymore. Not so bad—more practical. But compared to Madam Yechan…'
Qing Xuanling pouted and slipped into the bathtub for a thorough wash. Today was no ordinary day.
Today—the elders would finally reveal details of the university's second trial, which they'd need to complete within a week.
She prepared meticulously, packing everything she might need—even the cauldron she'd bought from Madam Yechan—and changed into new robes gifted by Elder Gao.
Well, technically a joint project from one of their refining lessons. Though she'd contributed little. Despite attending three lessons, her refining skills had barely improved…
Elder Gao often called her "the worst talent he'd ever seen in refining." She'd had to beg relentlessly to avoid being expelled from the forge and stripped of her disciple title.
Still, Elder Gao consistently crafted equipment for her. Her new robe—woven from high-grade fabric resistant to both fire and blades—was entirely sponsored by him. He'd reportedly spent a considerable sum of spirit stones acquiring the fabrics and leathers for the inner armor.
"Hehe—that old man has excellent taste for a curmudgeon!" Qing Xuanling admired herself in the mirror, delighted.
The robe was deep crimson, nearly black, with white accents that lent it a lethal yet elegant appearance. She was genuinely satisfied with its visual appeal—not to mention its defensive properties.
Nodding in contentment, she left her room. Qing Wentian waited in the hallway, seated.
"Finally out. You took longer than usual." Qing Wentian made a long face as he stood. "Did you put on makeup or something? Although it's not noticeable~"
Qing Xuanling rolled her eyes. "I just took my time in the bath. My body was stiff from writing and cultivating all night."
"You're still wasting time on that Stellar Map or whatever you call it?" Qing Wentian stared in disbelief. "Elder Huomei already said it's pointless!"
"I don't care if it's pointless—I want to do it! Besides, is everything Elder Huomei says absolute law?! …By the way, don't tell her I said that…" Qing Xuanling visibly swallowed.
They continued chatting and joking all the way to the university. Their friendship, as always, remained strong—strengthened by constant time together at Green Breeze University and fighting side-by-side in Battle Formation class.
Time flew. They arrived at Green Breeze University and entered a auditorium on the first floor—far too large for the university's thirty-two students.
In the distance, they spotted Qing Muyu and the others. Both hurried over.
"Brothers!" Qing Wentian greeted with a grin, settling beside them. "Excited?! We'll finally learn what this trial's about. Hope it's not too hard!"
Qing Xuanling was more reserved, simply nodding to the group. The others warmly returned her greeting—completely ignoring Qing Wentian's chatter…
"Good morning, Little Nine. Those robes look amazing on you!" Qing Tanwei smiled, pulling Qing Xuanling into a hug. "Haven't seen you in days—you've grown even lovelier!"
"Jaja—stop teasing, Fourth Sister…" Qing Xuanling smiled defeatedly, allowing the embrace. She didn't particularly enjoy it, but this Fourth Sister was relentlessly persistent. She wouldn't stop until Qing Xuanling accepted her arm.
Having learned this, Qing Xuanling had no choice but to endure the hugs with a resigned expression.
Everyone laughed at the scene and resumed discussing the trial—still ignoring Qing Wentian.
"Hey, don't be mean—I promise I won't talk so much…" He offered a fragile smile, trying to evoke pity.
No one paid him mind. They kept chatting until all thirty-two university students arrived. Each had learned the hard lesson of Qing Wentian's endless chatter—which could stretch five hours…
When the last student entered, the Young Master suddenly appeared at the auditorium podium. He scanned the students and nodded, satisfied. Clearing his throat, he spoke in a calm, fresh voice that didn't intimidate—but somehow compelled absolute silence.
"You all know why we're here, so I won't give a tedious speech. But first—I want to say the clan is genuinely pleased with your performance. Not a single one of you has wasted the resources provided from clan. That alone brightens my day."
The Young Master's smile was sincere, filling the youths with pride. Genuine praise was rare these days. But before joy could settle, his tone shifted.
"Yet precisely because the clan is so satisfied with you… it would deeply pain me if any of you perished." The Young Master's eyes sharpened. "So please—listen carefully to what I'm about to explain."
All straightened their backs, expressions solemn. Each already sensed this trial wouldn't be safe.
The Young Master noted their seriousness and nodded. "As you know, one reason Green Breeze University was created was to forge an elite team for the secret realm opening in two years. Over the past month, the clan has invested heavily to provide you the finest learning environment."
"However—learning isn't everything." His tone turned icy. "In the secret realm, you'll face dangers no in the clan can imagine. We cannot raise you as hothouse flowers here only to send you to die there. So—even at the risk of some of you dying—the clan will send you to confront real-world peril."
A chill ran through everyone—especially the clan's family branch members. Compared to common clan members, they'd been raised as sheltered hothouse flowers, never exposed to danger.
Fear gripped most upon hearing the Young Master's words.
Even non-branch youths wore fearful expressions. After all—though not coddled, they were still young.
What eighteen-year-old remains calm hearing they might die?
Perhaps only Qing Xuanling—accustomed to facing death merely to grow stronger—remained tranquil. Such trials were nothing new to her.
The Young Master observed their reactions and sighed inwardly, feeling the weight. He disliked sending such young children into danger—but for the clan's future and prosperity, it was necessary.
He took a deep breath and began detailing each team's mission.
"Teams Two and Three—students numbered eleven through thirty-two—will share the same trial for their safety. Your task: reclaim a medicinal herb field in the Scarlet Forest guarded by a pack of Jade-Furred Lions…"
The Young Master explained Teams Two and Three's trial in precise detail—the location, potential dangers.
"…Beware of attracting beasts beyond the lions. With that—you may leave. I'll explain Team One's mission separately." He dismissed them.
Their solemn faces revealed they knew their trial was no simple task.
Once the others departed, the Young Master turned to Qing Xuanling's group with a smile. "Now—your trial. As you likely guessed, it's harder than the others'. Do you accept that?"
Qing Xuanling's team exchanged confident glances. Qing Muyu smiled as he replied. "The strong bear greater responsibility! It's natural our mission is harder!"
The Young Master laughed. "Good. I'm glad you understand. That's precisely what the clan expects of you. This trial will also test their ability to assume responsibilities"
He retrieved papers from his spatial ring, glanced at them, then faced Qing Xuanling's group again.
"Do you know what clandestine auctions are?"
All frowned. They were young. None had worldly experience. Even Qing Xuanling—who ventured into the city most often—only went to the Scarlet Forest.
"Good that you don't~" The Young Master chuckled. "Clandestine auctions are events organized by rogue cultivators where all manner of illegal goods from the city are auctioned and sold."
Qing Xuanling's brow furrowed. She couldn't help but raise a hand. "Young Master—do rogue cultivators truly have the power for this? These auctions must gather hundreds of resources to attract attendees. Aren't they juicy prey for Ziyun City's forces?"
The Young Master's gaze deepened. "As sharp as ever, Xuanling. Exactly as you say. These auctions are usually juicy targets for city forces—but sometimes, no one bothers to raid them. That happens, obviously… when a major Ziyu City power sponsors the auction."
Qing Xuanling's team felt a bad premonition growing as they listened.
"This auction will be held north of the city outskirts—protected by the Ink Sword Sect." The Young Master's smile turned faintly sinister. "I imagine you now know your mission's nature, yes?"
Qing Wentian swallowed hard. "Y-you don't mean we have to raid the auction…?"
The Young Master's smile widened. He deliberately paused—leaving Team One's hearts pounding. But the answer wasn't what they expected. Fortunately.
"No—you won't raid it. Though no Foundation Establishment cultivators guard these places, many peak Qi Refinement cultivators do. Still too dangerous for you. Your trial is…"
The Young Master's eyes darkened abruptly.
"Rescue a group of thirty mortal children who will be auctioned at the clandestine auction."